Page 27 of Mai Tais and Murder

Outside, the Hawaiian sun was warm on Mel’s face. They walked close together, Mel constantly turning over the facts they knew. “You’re doing that thing with your jaw again,” Helen said softly, her hand finding Mel’s.

“Sorry,” Mel said, forcing herself to relax slightly. “I just can’t help thinking about how this was supposed to be a peaceful vacation.”

Helen squeezed her hand. “I wouldn’t change it,” she said. “Well, maybe the part about Abramson potentially being murdered, but not the rest. Not working with you like this.” The simple statement made Mel’s heart swell. She glanced at Helen, marveling at how naturally the woman had adapted to their impromptu investigation. The successful author had revealed depths of courage and insight that continually amazed her.

“Still,” Mel said as they waited for a traffic light, “I never meant to possibly put you in danger.”

“And maybe you didn’t,” Helen replied firmly. “But if so, we chose this together.” She gave her a slight smile. “Besides, I always wanted to be Nancy Drew when I was young. I just never expected to get the chance at sixty-six.” The resort came into view, its white walls gleaming in the afternoon sun. Mel felt her investigator’s instincts heighten as they approached. Somewhere in that building was likely at least one person who wanted Abramson’s story buried, possibly literally. She slowed their steps to consider what to do next. Helen turned to her as they paused in the shade of a palm tree. “What are you thinking?”

“I’m thinking that we need to be very careful about our next moves,” Mel said slowly. “The people behind this corruption have already proven they’re willing to kill to keep their secret.”

Helen nodded, her expression serious but unafraid. “Then we’ll be careful,” she said. “Together.”

* * *

Helen’s phonebuzzed just as they entered the resort lobby. Seeing Diane’s name on the screen made her stomach tighten. Her daughter had an uncanny ability to sense when something was wrong. “I should take this,” she told Mel, who nodded understanding.

“I’ll scout ahead,” Mel said. “Meet you by the koi pond.”

Finding a relatively private spot near some potted palms, Helen answered. “Hi, sweetheart.”

“Mom.” Diane’s voice held that mix of love and concern that Helen knew so well. “How’s the vacation going?”

Helen watched Mel disappear around a corner, no doubt checking their surroundings. “Oh, wonderful,” she said, trying to keep her voice light. “The weather’s perfect, and the ocean is just beautiful.”

“Uh-huh.” A pause. “And how’s the mysterious neighbor situation?”

Helen silently cursed her earlier honesty about their investigation. “Everything’s fine, dear. Just a misunderstanding, really.”

“Really?” Diane’s voice relaxed through the phone. “Good. Jenny and I were both worried you were getting involved in something unnecessary. We thought for a moment that you might be in danger. You’re not, right?”

Helen sighed, moving deeper into the corner by the palms. “Right,” she said softly. “Mel and I are being very careful.” It wasn’t exactly a lie. They were being careful. She just couldn’t mention the organized crime connection, the suspicious deaths, or the very real possibility that someone might figure things out and want to silence them.

“Being careful about what exactly?” Diane’s voice sharpened. “Mom, you’re supposed to be relaxing on the beach, not getting involved in anything.”

A group of tourists passed by, their beach gear dripping water on the marble floor. Helen waited until they were out of earshot. “Diane, I promise you, everything is under control. Mel knows what she’s doing.”

“That’s what worries me,” Diane said. “She’s a retired detective. Maybe she can’t stop detecting. And she could drag you into it.”

“She’s not dragging me anywhere,” Helen replied, perhaps more sharply than intended.

The silence on the other end suggested Diane wasn’t buying it. “Mom,” she finally said, “I love you, but you’re a terrible liar. What’s really going on?”

“Nothing dangerous,” she said, which felt like the biggest lie yet. “We’re just helping a neighbor sort out some confusion.”

“Confusion?”

“Yes. But it’s probably nothing,” Helen said. “Listen, sweetheart, I need to go. We have dinner reservations.”

“At four in the afternoon?”

“Time difference, remember?” Helen said quickly. “It’s later here.” It wasn’t, but she needed to end the conversation before she revealed anything more.

“Mom—”

“I love you, Diane. Give the kids hugs from grandma. I’ll call you tomorrow when we get to the airport, and I will be home before you know it.” She ended the call before her daughter could protest further, feeling guilty but knowing it was necessary.

She quickly went to the koi pond to meet Mel. “Everything okay?” Mel asked when she arrived.

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